Hello Baby Boomers,
I can't believe it is now September - my birthday month. I will be turning 61 and I am missing my son Andy who died at the age of 19, six years ago. I grabbed my locket with Andy's picture in it to wear today. It has a lock of his hair tied with an orange ribbon - his favorite color. I have been missing him so much. I feel guilty having a life span that has tripled his. This earth would be such a better place with him being here, sharing his smile and saving animals. Sometimes I can get through the day, smiling when I think of him, and at other times, I can't catch my breath. I wanted to post a beautiful tribute sent to me by his friend, Gavin. It took place at Gavin's home on his 6th birthday party in 1990. Please click below on "Andy and Friends" to view. It is always painful to see my beautiful son laugh and enjoy life without a care in the world. At the ending shot, he is standing next to his good friend Andy Gathers who died a few years ago as well. Even though this blog is for my generation, I will continue to devote my time and energy fighting drug and alcohol abuse among teens and young adults. You can access Andy's Foundation at www.andysfoundation.com. Peace, Andy's Mom, Elaine
Dr. Elaine A. Campbell- As a Psychiatrist, Mental Wellness and Lifestyle Coach, I am dedicated to healthy-eating, exercise, and to the improvement of our physical and mental well-being. Inspired by my new book, "My Life As A Car; A Mental Wellness Guide In Your Glove Compartment", I will be taking weekly journeys with you, addressing possible bumps in the road and exploring ways to navigate them in a healthy way. So, here's to all of our road trips. May we have a lifetime of Happy Motoring!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
NO REGRETS
Hello to all my darling Baby Boomers,
I know you are out there. But blogging was not in our vocab growing up - nor twitting nor YouTube nor Facebook. My daughter signed me up for the new age way of communicating (note daughter signed me up as I couldn't get it) but I still don't use it properly. I have several friends and family on Facebook and actually send them my posting every Sunday. My sister Eloise hoots and toots on in and she is only 18 months younger than I am. How can I reach a generation that doesn't use this form of communication?
You know this whole Baby Boomer obsession of mine was born from an idea for a talk show. Oprah had offered this opportunity to anyone who had a dream of hosting their own show. I will be honest - that was not my dream at the time. But I submitted a video that voiced my concerns about my generation. I plan to attach that video to this posting - that is if my son or daughter are available to help me today. When you view it, you will pretty much understand the motivation for this blog. The more I listened to my own words, the more I appreciated the need to continue my quest. I was not selected, obviously, but now it has become a dream, a passion. TV shows are what many of my generation are quite comfortable with. I could have reached so many more boomers had I been selected to compete. So what did I do? I decided to blog my thoughts, my concerns. Thus, We Are Booming was created. Not the best means of communicating, but it will do for now. I would have regretted not following through with the desire to talk to my generation. And if a handful are able to enjoy it - YEAH!!! It's a handful of folks I never reached before.
One of my regrets in the video was the lack of emphasis on the "No Regrets" segment of that talk show. Here we are between the ages of 46 and 64. Who does that include? New empty nesters? Grandparents? If you are fortunate to have a job, you may be facing retirement next year. You may be overwhelmed with stressors and be required to dig down deep to cope with things that you never thought would happen - loss of a job, a failed marriage. I have a dear friend who's divorce was just finalized after 30 years of marriage. Sad but true. But today's posting is not to address the stressors or the current state we find ourselves in. But it is to ask you to go to that place inside - maybe deep in your heart or in the private recesses of your beautiful mind and ask yourself, "What would make me happy today? " Or, "What did I want to do that I never got a chance to do?" I want you to put your needs first. This may not feel natural. And may I stress that this isn't being selfish. Don't you ever think that for a moment. Remember the stewardess always warning us to put our oxygen masks on first before placing it on our child? Did you ever think to yourself, "Absolutely not. My child's safety matters the most!" Of course we think that way but the important lesson is that, unless you are OK, no one else will be.
Well - I am asking all of you to do something for yourselves. It could be something so simple as to connect with an old friend or family member. May I suggest Facebook (that is if you have someone around to help)? You may have envisioned yourself in better shape at this age. No regrets mind you. Look in the mirror, appreciate your inner beauty, and set out to tweak yourself. I joined Weight Watchers last Tuesday and I bought these new age sneakers that promised to tone as I walked. I set out yesterday with my St. Bernard, Sampson. Unfortunately, his idea of walking was a slow lumber and our mile walk ended up in my worrying all afternoon over his panting and recovery from such exercise. Want to take a trip? Mine would be to visit Italy where I could feast upon the art and the pasta. I received a Rosetta Stone Italian set from Santa. I am taking baby steps towards a few goals.
I have no regrets when it comes to my spirituality. God has become so important in my life. Letting go and letting God has been a lifesaver for me. Certain events have happened in my life recently that I believe He has had a hand in. I had the good fortune to reconnect with my med school colleague, Dr. David Parajon, who, along with his wife Dr. Laura, reside in Nicaragua and meet the needs of so many less fortunate. So, I have added a larger goal to my life - to actually be a medical missionary to Nicaragua. I hope to set aside 2 weeks a year to visit them and do what is necessary to help.
What are your dreams? What is standing in your way? Life is too short, my friends, to not take a chance. Call up your local community college for a brochure. Take a walk. Put daisies on your table. Enjoy the simplicities and make your day a better one.
I have the privilege of calling Gai Russo a friend. Just being with her elevates me to a better place. She makes the air I breath sweeter. Her kind soul is reflected in her eyes. She also happens to be a brilliant jewelry designer. (https://www.gairusso.com/)
She has been very supportive of me throughout the years. After my son, Andy, died, she made Peace jewelry as she knew that that was his favorite thing to say, "Peace". The other day I received a package in the mail. She sent me a "NO REGRETS" bracelet. I will never take it off, Gai. Thank you for believing in me and my dreams.
So, my dear Baby Boomers. What are you plans for today? Are you looking ahead to the holidays? Are you hoping to accomplish something this month? This year? Please let me hear from you. I am sending you "NO REGRETS" karma through my blog.
Next week I will put a new widget on my Blog. Know what that is? I don't either but I am looking forward to learning something new and to enhance my blog at the same time.
Love and Peace to you all. Dr. Elaine
P.S. I could not add the video by myself. Surprise, Surprise. I will wait for Peter or Molly to help.
P.P.S. I did it. See my video on the post above.
I know you are out there. But blogging was not in our vocab growing up - nor twitting nor YouTube nor Facebook. My daughter signed me up for the new age way of communicating (note daughter signed me up as I couldn't get it) but I still don't use it properly. I have several friends and family on Facebook and actually send them my posting every Sunday. My sister Eloise hoots and toots on in and she is only 18 months younger than I am. How can I reach a generation that doesn't use this form of communication?
You know this whole Baby Boomer obsession of mine was born from an idea for a talk show. Oprah had offered this opportunity to anyone who had a dream of hosting their own show. I will be honest - that was not my dream at the time. But I submitted a video that voiced my concerns about my generation. I plan to attach that video to this posting - that is if my son or daughter are available to help me today. When you view it, you will pretty much understand the motivation for this blog. The more I listened to my own words, the more I appreciated the need to continue my quest. I was not selected, obviously, but now it has become a dream, a passion. TV shows are what many of my generation are quite comfortable with. I could have reached so many more boomers had I been selected to compete. So what did I do? I decided to blog my thoughts, my concerns. Thus, We Are Booming was created. Not the best means of communicating, but it will do for now. I would have regretted not following through with the desire to talk to my generation. And if a handful are able to enjoy it - YEAH!!! It's a handful of folks I never reached before.
One of my regrets in the video was the lack of emphasis on the "No Regrets" segment of that talk show. Here we are between the ages of 46 and 64. Who does that include? New empty nesters? Grandparents? If you are fortunate to have a job, you may be facing retirement next year. You may be overwhelmed with stressors and be required to dig down deep to cope with things that you never thought would happen - loss of a job, a failed marriage. I have a dear friend who's divorce was just finalized after 30 years of marriage. Sad but true. But today's posting is not to address the stressors or the current state we find ourselves in. But it is to ask you to go to that place inside - maybe deep in your heart or in the private recesses of your beautiful mind and ask yourself, "What would make me happy today? " Or, "What did I want to do that I never got a chance to do?" I want you to put your needs first. This may not feel natural. And may I stress that this isn't being selfish. Don't you ever think that for a moment. Remember the stewardess always warning us to put our oxygen masks on first before placing it on our child? Did you ever think to yourself, "Absolutely not. My child's safety matters the most!" Of course we think that way but the important lesson is that, unless you are OK, no one else will be.
Well - I am asking all of you to do something for yourselves. It could be something so simple as to connect with an old friend or family member. May I suggest Facebook (that is if you have someone around to help)? You may have envisioned yourself in better shape at this age. No regrets mind you. Look in the mirror, appreciate your inner beauty, and set out to tweak yourself. I joined Weight Watchers last Tuesday and I bought these new age sneakers that promised to tone as I walked. I set out yesterday with my St. Bernard, Sampson. Unfortunately, his idea of walking was a slow lumber and our mile walk ended up in my worrying all afternoon over his panting and recovery from such exercise. Want to take a trip? Mine would be to visit Italy where I could feast upon the art and the pasta. I received a Rosetta Stone Italian set from Santa. I am taking baby steps towards a few goals.
I have no regrets when it comes to my spirituality. God has become so important in my life. Letting go and letting God has been a lifesaver for me. Certain events have happened in my life recently that I believe He has had a hand in. I had the good fortune to reconnect with my med school colleague, Dr. David Parajon, who, along with his wife Dr. Laura, reside in Nicaragua and meet the needs of so many less fortunate. So, I have added a larger goal to my life - to actually be a medical missionary to Nicaragua. I hope to set aside 2 weeks a year to visit them and do what is necessary to help.
What are your dreams? What is standing in your way? Life is too short, my friends, to not take a chance. Call up your local community college for a brochure. Take a walk. Put daisies on your table. Enjoy the simplicities and make your day a better one.
I have the privilege of calling Gai Russo a friend. Just being with her elevates me to a better place. She makes the air I breath sweeter. Her kind soul is reflected in her eyes. She also happens to be a brilliant jewelry designer. (https://www.gairusso.com/)
She has been very supportive of me throughout the years. After my son, Andy, died, she made Peace jewelry as she knew that that was his favorite thing to say, "Peace". The other day I received a package in the mail. She sent me a "NO REGRETS" bracelet. I will never take it off, Gai. Thank you for believing in me and my dreams.
So, my dear Baby Boomers. What are you plans for today? Are you looking ahead to the holidays? Are you hoping to accomplish something this month? This year? Please let me hear from you. I am sending you "NO REGRETS" karma through my blog.
Next week I will put a new widget on my Blog. Know what that is? I don't either but I am looking forward to learning something new and to enhance my blog at the same time.
Love and Peace to you all. Dr. Elaine
P.S. I could not add the video by myself. Surprise, Surprise. I will wait for Peter or Molly to help.
P.P.S. I did it. See my video on the post above.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)